The forecast for the next 7 to 10 days is extremely dry, with no rain expected for several days. With water supply to the major lakes declining, Rainy Lake outflow will be reduced this week and consequently, Lake of the Woods outflow reductions will also start tomorrow to maintain stable lake levels.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.91 m (1059.4 ft), a 65th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 3.4 cm (1.3 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 1.0 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will be reduced to 600 m3/s on Wednesday, May 21st and to 575 m3/s on Friday, May 23rd.
Each of these outflow reductions will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decline. By May 24th, river levels are expected to have decreased by 21 cm (8.3 in) below the Norman Dam, 16 cm (6.3 in) above Kimberley Rapids and 12 cm (4.7 in) at the Dalles. Levels at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.34 m (1165.8 ft), a 55th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 14.8 cm (5.8 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 11 cm (4.3 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 200 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.